1. Shop small all month long. I am a huge advocate in supporting local businesses, not only are you supporting someone in your community, but you’ll be able to find some of the most unique gifts.

2. Hello Cyber Monday! I hope you’re snagging all the best deals of the season and getting everything you want for yourself and others.

3. Check out shows that are performing in your city. I am super excited to see Cirque Holidaze.

4. Make a wreath for your front door. When I lived in Pittsburgh most homeowners would put a green wreath with a red bow on each window of their home, and I absolutely fell in love with the look and feel of it.

5. Volunteer at a food bank, they always need extra help this time of year.

6. Take a trip through local subdivisions and check out all the gorgeous light displays.

7. Host an ugly Christmas sweater party – seriously I am so obsessed with ugly sweaters! One of my friends is hosting an ugly sweater party this year and I cannot wait.

8. Find a festival of lights. I am a huge fan of Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights in West Virginia and Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo.

9. Who doesn’t love receiving mail? Why not send out Christmas cards to your friends and family.

10. Donate food, blankets and more to a local shelter. I am a huge fan of Heart 2 Hart, they’re out of Farmington Hills – but drive around Detroit giving food, clothing, feminine hygiene products and more to those in need.

11. Head to the movies! Temperatures are chilly outside, but nothing is better than a big bucket of popcorn and holiday movie. I highly recommend checking out Frozen 2.

12. Buy a new pair of pajamas and curl up with some popcorn on the couch and watch a Hallmark movie. This year I am going to order Jack and I matching pajamas.

13. Head downtown and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city during the holiday season.

14. Make a gingerbread house. I like to buy a kit to make things easier, but if you want to go all out, make one from scratch.

15. Go ice skating.
 
16. Get romantic, and find somewhere that does horse-drawn carriage rides.

17. Learn how to make the perfect charcuterie board.

19. Frost and decorate some cutout cookies. This year I want to make plaid mittens.

21. It’s the first day of winter, and also the shortest day of the year. Make the most of your evening and enjoy a chili bar and games with friends.

23. Start a new holiday tradition. Maybe give friends, family or significant other pajamas, an ornament or pair of socks every year.

25. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! My family\’s tradition is to open stockings, eat overnight French toast and then open gifts.

26. Take some time for self-reflection, and begin to plan ahead for 2020. I personally do not believe in resolutions – I am a huge fan of goals.

27. Make a travel bucket list of places you’d like to visit in the new year.

28. As you clean up from Christmas and put away the gifts you have received take a few moments to sit down and write thank-you notes. Instead of saying thank you for your gift, let them know what you will use it for and what it means to you. My grandma typically gives money, and I always try to write her a thank-you note that states what I will do with that money.

29. Make a list of all the things you were grateful for in 2019. One of mine is the fact that I was able to spend time with my papa before he passed away.

30. Buy yourself a house plant to bring a little cheer into your home to start the new year.